The trend estimate for sheep slaughterings rose for the sixth consecutive month, to 1.2 million. This was the highest figure recorded since December 2002.

The trend estimate for lamb slaughterings rose for the tenth consecutive month, to 1.7 million. This was the highest figure recorded since records began in 1979.

The trend estimate for mutton production rose for the sixth consecutive month, to 25,300 tonnes. This was the highest figure recorded since October 2002.

The trend estimate for lamb meat production rose for the tenth consecutive month, to 36,200 tonnes. This was the highest figure recorded since records began in 1979.

OCTOBER KEY FIGURES

Seasonally

Trend

LIVESTOCK SLAUGHTERED

Original

adjusted

estimate

'000

'000

'000

Cattle

734.6

716.2

683.2

Calves

94.6

76.7

73.0

Sheep

1,407.0

1,288.5

1,214.9

Lambs

1,865.4

1,719.0

1,740.0

Pigs

412.3

441.5

441.0

Seasonally

Trend

MEAT PRODUCED

Original

adjusted

estimate

tonnes

tonnes

tonnes

Beef

198,979

192,168

186,228

Veal

2,847

2,552

2,491

Mutton

29,969

26,635

25,298

Lamb

37,851

35,595

36,211

Pig meat

29,769

31,684

31,631

NOTES

INTRODUCTION

This publication presents statistics on livestock slaughterings and meat production. These statistics are based on a monthly collection from abattoirs and other major slaughtering establishments. More detailed information on this series can be obtained by contacting the ABS or by referring to the quarterly ABS publication Livestock Products, Australia(cat. no. 7215.0).

FORTHCOMING ISSUES

The November 2006 issue of this data is due for release on 11 January 2007.

For more information about these and related statistics, contact John Moody on Hobart 03 6222 5867, or the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070.